Method, system and component for controlling the preservation of a product

ABSTRACT

The invention pertains to a method, a system and a component for systematically and automatically controlling a product, whose preservation in a distribution circuit depends on temperature, in particular a product subjected to a cold chain. The method includes: affixing, on the product, a marker including elements, in particular the bars of a bar code, intended to be identified by automatic processing units, fixing a component on the product. The component includes at least one part including a mask intended for masking the elements of the marker, at least temporarily, without modifying them, when (i) the temperature of the product exceeds a specific temperature threshold or (ii) when the preservation conditions differ from a specific reference level, in particular characterized by the exceeding of a specific temperature threshold for a longer duration than a specific duration or by the exceeding of a specific preservation duration.

PERTINENT FIELD, PRIOR ART, PROBLEM POSED

The present invention pertains to a method, a system and a component forsystematically and automatically controlling a product, whosepreservation in a distribution circuit depends on the temperature, inparticular a product subjected to a cold chain.

Faced with increasing needs for traceability of heat-sensitive productscoming, in particular, from the participants of the farm-produce andhealth markets, a number of operators have developed and marketed visualtemperature exceeding indicators. Often designated by the expression“indicator of a break in the cold chain” or even “freshness chip,” thesesolutions, presented in the form of labels, did not have the expectedsuccess, in particular because of difficulties with reading andsubjective interpretation of the status of the indicators.

In order to provide a response to users regarding their concern forobjectivity of the control of the compliance with preservationtemperatures, some prior-art documents consequently propose correlatingthe legibility of a bar code with the compliance or noncompliance withthe preservation temperatures of the product related thereto.

PRIOR ART

The prior-art solutions, analyzed below, combine the use of the bar codewith different types of colored heat indicators. These prior-artsolutions are described in the following documents, in particular:

WO 01 64430 A (LIFELINES TECHNOLOGY INC), published on Sep. 7, 2001(09-07-2001), hereinafter called document D1,

EP 0 250 217 A (GENERAL ELECTRIC CO PLC), published on Dec. 23, 1987(12-23-1987), hereinafter called document D2,

DE 199 12 529 A (HERBENER HEINZ GERD; VOGELS NIKOLAUS (DE)), publishedon Sep. 28, 2000 (09-28-2000), hereinafter called document D3,

WO 00 47964 A (TEMP TELL LIMITED; TESTER RICHARD (GB)), Aug. 17, 2000(08-17-2000), hereinafter called document D4.

Either the prior-art solutions impose the use of printing techniquesintegrating the systems of heat indicators described. This is the casein documents D2 and D4, which propose reproducing all or some of thecomponent elements of a bar code on a medium by laying downmicroencapsulated materials sometimes (document D2), and sometimesheat-sensitive materials (lipids) (document D4).

Or the prior-art solutions impose selecting a bar code printing medium(paper, plastic, . . . ), specifically treated by means of theheat-sensitive chemical components (document D1) or varnish, delayingthe activation of the heat indicators (document D3).

Thus, the bar code indirectly integrates new information that isaccessible to consumers and to professionals: If the heat-sensitiveproduct successfully passes all the steps, in which its bar code is readoptically (receipt of logistical units, passage at cash registers, . . .), and it is thus found in the refrigerator of the consumer, the latteris certain that the preservation temperatures were complied with untilthen.

Thus, the point of such methods is to obtain a means of systematic andobjective control of the compliance with the preservation temperaturesover time.

PROBLEM POSED

Nevertheless, the classical bar code printing techniques and componentsare vastly modified, which implies the appearance of new, very markedindustrial constraints that are widely rejected by potential users.

Moreover, all the prior-art solutions show a direct and irreversibledegradation of all or some of the component elements of the bar codes.The data held in these codes continue to be invaluable to theprofessionals and must be able to be accessible to them after thedetection and setting aside of the suspect heat-sensitive products.

The present invention solves the problems stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Method

The present invention pertains to a method for systematically andautomatically controlling a product, whose preservation in adistribution circuit depends on the temperature, in particular a productsubjected to a cold chain.

The method according to the present invention comprises the followingsteps:

the step of affixing, on the product, a marker comprising elements, inparticular the bars of a bar code, intended to be identified by theautomatic processing units managing the marketing of the product betweenthe economic participants in question, in particular between adistributor and a consumer or between a pharmaceutical laboratory and ahospital,

the step of fixing a component on the product.

The component comprises at least one part comprising masking meansintended to mask the elements of the marker, at least temporarily,without modifying them, when (i) the temperature of the product exceedsa specific temperature threshold or (ii) when the preservationconditions differ from a specific reference level, in particularcharacterized by the exceeding of a specific temperature threshold for aduration longer than a specific duration, or by the exceeding of aspecific preservation duration.

The results of the combination of the technical features are that underthe circumstances mentioned above:

the automatic processing units can no longer read the markers,

on the other hand, a regulatory agency may decide to make the markerslegible again.

Preferably, according to the present invention, the method is such thatthe part of the component making it possible to mask the elements of themarker at least temporarily is embodied in a removable form. Thus, incase of masking the marker, the regulatory agency may decide to removethe removable part of the component in order to make the markers legibleagain.

Preferably, according to the present invention, the method is such thatthe component comprises a part irreversibly fixed on the product. Theirreversibly fixed part comprises an indicator of changes in thepreservation conditions, in particular an indicator of a break in thecold chain. The result of the combination of technical features is thatif the preservation conditions are changed, the products in question canbe identified beyond dispute.

Preferably, according to a first embodiment variant of the presentinvention, the method is such that, to mask the elements of the marker,a first substance intended to act as a screen between the marker and theautomatic processing units is diffused above the marker by means of amigrant physicochemical reaction.

Preferably, according to a second embodiment variant of the presentinvention, the method is such that, to mask the elements of the marker,an optical property of a second substance intended to act as a screenbetween the marker and the automatic processing units is modified via acontrolled growth of a population of microorganisms above the marker.

The population of microorganisms is placed on a culture substrate. Thecontrolled growth of the population of microorganisms comprises anactivation process. Thus, when the activation process is deactivated,handling the second substance at ambient temperature does not induce thecontrolled growth of the population of microorganisms.

Preferably, in the case of this second embodiment variant of the presentinvention, the method additionally comprises the step of inhibiting thegrowth of the population of microorganisms. The growth of the populationof microorganisms is inhibited during the handling phases of the culturesubstrate. The method additionally comprises the step of disinhibitingthe population of microorganisms during the marketing of the product inthe distribution circuit, in particular in the cold chain. Thus, thegrowth of the population of microorganisms becomes possible.

Preferably, in the case of this second embodiment variant of the presentinvention, the method is such that:

to inhibit the population of microorganisms, it is dehydrated,

to disinhibit the population of microorganisms, it is rehydrated.

Preferably, according to another embodiment variant of the presentinvention, the method additionally comprises the step of placing thepopulation of microorganisms on a culture substrate in a medium havingin particular an acid pH, inhibiting the growth of the population ofmicroorganisms. Thus, the growth of the population of microorganisms isinhibited during the handling phases of the culture substrate.

The method additionally comprises the step of adjusting the pH of themedium, in particular by the release of water, during its affixing onthe marker. The result of the combination of technical features is thatthe growth of the population of microorganisms becomes possible.

System

The present invention also pertains to a system for systematically andautomatically controlling a product, whose preservation in adistribution circuit depends on the temperature, in particular a productsubjected to a cold chain.

The system comprises:

a marker, affixed on the product, comprising elements, in particular thebars of a bar code, intended to be identified by automatic processingunits managing the marketing of the product between the economicparticipants in question, in particular between a distributor and aconsumer or between a pharmaceutical laboratory and a hospital,

a component,

fixing means for fixing the component on the product at the location ofthe marker.

The component comprises at least one part comprising masking meansintended to mask the elements of the marker, at least temporarily,without modifying them, when (i) the temperature of the product exceedsa specific temperature threshold or (ii) when the preservationconditions differ from a specific reference level, in particularcharacterized by the exceeding of a specific temperature threshold for aduration longer than a specific duration, or by the exceeding of aspecific preservation duration.

The result of the combination of technical features is that theautomatic processing units can no longer read the markers under thecircumstances mentioned above. On the other hand, a regulatory agencymay decide to make the markers legible again.

Preferably, according to the present invention, the system is such thatthe fixing means fix the part of the component making it possible tomask the elements of the marker at least temporarily on the product in aremovable manner. Thus, in case of masking the marker, the regulatoryagency may decide to remove the removable part of the component in orderto make the markers legible again.

Preferably, according to the present invention, the system is such thatthe component comprises a part irreversibly fixed on the product. Theirreversibly fixed part comprises an indicator of changes in thepreservation conditions, in particular an indicator of a break in thecold chain. The result of the combination of technical features is thatif the preservation conditions are changed, the products in question canbe identified beyond dispute.

Preferably, according to a first embodiment variant of the presentinvention, the system is such that the masking means diffuse a firstsubstance intended to act as a screen between the marker and theautomatic processing units above the marker by means of a migrantphysicochemical reaction.

Preferably, according to a second embodiment variant of the presentinvention, the system is such that the masking means modify an opticalproperty of a second substance intended to act as a screen between themarker and the automatic processing units via a controlled growth of apopulation of microorganisms above the marker. The controlled growth ofthe population of microorganisms comprises an activation process. Thus,when the activation process is deactivated, the handling of the secondsubstance at ambient temperature does not induce the controlled growthof the population of microorganisms.

Preferably, in the case of this second embodiment variant of the presentinvention, the population of microorganisms is placed on a culturesubstrate. The system additionally comprises inhibition means forinhibiting the growth of the population of microorganisms on the culturesubstrate. Thus, the growth of the population of microorganisms isinhibited during the phases of handling the culture substrate at ambienttemperature. The system additionally comprises disinhibition means fordisinhibiting the population of microorganisms during the marketing ofthe product in the distribution circuit, in particular in the coldchain. Thus, the growth of the population of microorganisms becomespossible.

Preferably, according to the present invention, the system is such that:

the inhibition means for inhibiting the population of microorganismscomprise dehydration means,

the disinhibition means for disinhibiting the population ofmicroorganisms comprise rehydration means.

Preferably, according to the present invention, the population ofmicroorganisms is placed on a culture substrate. The culture substrateis located in an impermeable pouch, with the pouch containing a culturemedium. The pH of the culture medium is selected suitably, in particularan acid pH, to inhibit the growth of the population of microorganisms.Thus, the growth of the population of microorganisms is inhibited duringthe handling phases of the culture substrate.

The masking means additionally comprise adjustment means for adjustingthe pH of the medium, in particular by the release of water. The pHadjustment means are particularly in the form of a perforatable capsule,containing water, located inside the pouch. Thus, the growth of thepopulation of microorganisms becomes possible after fixing the componenton the product at the location of the marker.

Component

The present invention also pertains to a component for systematicallyand automatically controlling a product, whose preservation in adistribution circuit depends on the temperature, in particular a productsubjected to a cold chain.

A marker was affixed on the product. The marker comprises elements, inparticular the bars of a bar code, intended to be identified byautomatic processing units managing the marketing of the product betweenthe economic participants in question, in particular between adistributor and a consumer or between a pharmaceutical laboratory and ahospital.

The component comprises fixing means for fixing the component on theproduct at the location of the marker. At least one part of thecomponent comprises masking means for masking the elements of themarker, at least temporarily, without modifying them, when (i) thetemperature of the product exceed a specific temperature threshold or(ii) when the preservation conditions differ from a specific referencelevel, in particular characterized by the exceeding of a specifictemperature threshold for a duration longer than a specific duration, orby the exceeding of a specific preservation duration.

The result of the combination of technical features is that theautomatic processing units can no longer read the markers under thecircumstances mentioned above. On the other hand, a regulatory agencymay decide to make the markers legible again.

Preferably, according to the present invention, the component is suchthat the fixing means fix the part of the component making it possibleto mask the elements of the marker at least temporarily on the productin a removable manner. Thus, in case of masking the marker, theregulatory agency may decide to remove the removable part of thecomponent in order to make the markers legible again.

Preferably, according to the present invention, the component comprisesa part irreversibly fixed on the product. The irreversibly fixed partcomprises an indicator of changes in the preservation conditions, inparticular an indicator of a break in the cold chain. The result of thecombination of technical features is that if the preservation conditionsare changed, the products in question can be identified beyond dispute.

Preferably, according to a first embodiment variant of the presentinvention, the component is such that the masking means diffuse a firstsubstance intended to act as a screen between the marker and theautomatic processing units above the marker by means of a migrantphysicochemical reaction.

Preferably, according to a second embodiment variant of the presentinvention, the component is such that the masking means modify anoptical property of a second substance intended to act as a screenbetween the marker and the automatic processing units via a controlledgrowth of a population of microorganisms above the marker. Thecontrolled growth of the population of microorganisms comprises anactivation process. Thus, when the activation process is deactivated,the handling of the second substance at ambient temperature does notinduce the controlled growth of the population of microorganisms.

Preferably, in the case of this second embodiment variant according tothe present invention, the component additionally comprises inhibitionmeans for inhibiting the growth of the population of microorganismsplaced on a culture substrate. The result of the combination oftechnical features is that the growth of the population ofmicroorganisms is inhibited during the phases of handling the culturesubstrate at ambient temperature. The component additionally comprisesdisinhibition means for disinhibiting the population of microorganismsduring the marketing of the product in the distribution circuit, inparticular in the cold chain. Thus, the growth of the population ofmicroorganisms becomes possible.

Preferably, according to the present invention, the component is suchthat:

the inhibition means for inhibiting the population of microorganismscomprise dehydration means,

the disinhibition means for disinhibiting the population ofmicroorganisms comprise rehydration means.

Preferably, according to the present invention, the population ofmicroorganisms is placed on a culture substrate. The culture substrateis located in an impermeable pouch, with the pouch containing a culturemedium. The pH of the culture medium is selected suitably, in particularan acid pH, to inhibit the growth of the population of microorganisms.Thus, the growth of the population of microorganisms is inhibited duringthe handling phases of the culture substrate. The masking meansadditionally comprise adjustment means for adjusting the pH of themedium, in particular by the release of water. The pH adjustment meansare particularly in the form of a perforatable capsule, containingwater, located inside the pouch. Thus, the growth of the population ofmicroorganisms becomes possible after fixing the component on theproduct at the location of the marker.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention shallbecome apparent upon the reading of the description of embodimentvariants of the present invention, which are given by way of indicativeand nonlimiting example, and from

FIG. 1, which schematically shows the marketing of a product in theparticular case of the use of a cold chain,

FIG. 2, which schematically shows a product subjected to a cold chainand comprising a marker intended in particular for activating automaticprocessing units managing the marketing of the product,

FIG. 3, which schematically shows a first embodiment variant of themasking means for masking the marker 3 in case of a break in a coldchain,

FIG. 4, which schematically shows a second embodiment variant of themasking means for masking the marker 3 in case of a break in a coldchain,

FIGS. 5 a, 5 b, 5 c and 6 a, 6 b, which schematically show the maskingof the marker in the case of the first and the second embodimentvariants of the deactivation means,

FIG. 7, which shows a component comprising a removable masking part.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, the goal of the system according to the present invention isto make it possible to systematically and automatically control aproduct 1, whose preservation in a distribution circuit 2 depends on thetemperature 51.

In this case and in a first series of applications, the system may takethe form of a Time Temperature Integrator and may thus just as easilyreveal a critical accumulation of abnormal temperature elevations inrelation to the reference temperature, as a critical accumulation ofabnormal drops in temperature.

For example, an application of the system makes it possible to revealthe poor preservation conditions of a deep-frozen product that usuallyhas to be preserved at −18° C. The deep-frozen products do not have apreservation limit date, and consequently, only temperature exceedingscan alter the quality of the products. The risk for criticalaccumulation of breaks in the cold chain is all the more importantbecause the product passes through the hands of a large number ofmiddlemen before arriving in the freezer of the final consumer.

For example, in the farm-produce industry, the hot preserved meals arekept at a temperature greater than 63° C. until the moment ofconsumption. An application of the system makes it possible to revealthe accumulations of exposure of the product to temperatures lower thanthe recommended temperature of 63° C.

In this case and in a second series of applications, the system may takethe form of a threshold exceeding indicator and this time reveal theexceeding of the reference temperature towards lower or highertemperatures according to the configuration.

For example, some products need to be sterilized and are thereforebrought to very high temperatures. Some types of milks, for example, tobe able to be marketed must be heated to more than 140° C. (UltrahighTemperature milk). The goal of an application of the system is to checkthat the temperature of 140° C. was readily reached at a given moment.

For example, below −4° C., tartar deposits form in wine bottles due tothe precipitation of the salts of tartaric acid, which are littleappreciated by the consumer because they are comparable to defects. Anapplication of the system makes it possible to instantly reveal thesetemperature drops, as soon as the reference temperature is exceeded.

The system may be configured both according to a reference temperatureand according to the shelf life of the product.

In this second case, the system passes the poor preservation conditionson to the shelf life of the product. If the reference temperature is notexceeded, the performance of the system over time is identical to thenormal degradation process of the product.

For example, some products, in particular fresh products, have anExpiration Date, beyond which the product is no longer consumable evenif the preservation conditions haven been correctly complied with. Onthe other hand, if breaks in a cold chain are recorded, the ExpirationDate is all the more advanced (shortened) because the breaks in a coldchain are long and occur at elevated temperatures. The label maysimulate this operation: It has a mechanism of normal degradation aslong as the preservation conditions are complied with and it sees itsmechanism of degradation accelerated if the temperature exceeds therecommended preservation temperature, which will lead, at the end of thedegradation phase, to the masking of the marker before the theoreticalexpiration date.

For example, some products on the farm-produce market must be preservedbelow 4° C. from their departure from the factory until they reach thehome of the final consumer, passing through the transporters and thedistributor. The accidental exceeding of this reference temperatureduring one of these steps does not inevitably make a product unfit forconsumption, but decreases the duration during which the product isconsumable. The accumulation of these exceedings over time must becontrolled.

The system according to the present invention shall be described in theparticular case of a product 1 subjected to a cold chain.

FIG. 1 schematically shows the marketing of products 1 using a coldchain. The products 1 are manufactured and maintained within a specifictemperature in a factory 40, belonging to an industrialist 42, and thenthey are transported, by means of a refrigerated truck 41, to adistributor 52. A consumer 6 purchases the products 1 by going to thefresh product counter of the distributor 52. The consumer transports theproducts 1 to his home 44 by means of a private vehicle 43 belonging tohim. A break in the cold chain is then capable of occurring at anymoment, from the stage of the manufacture of the products 1 up to thestage of their consumption by the consumer, in particular because of abreakdown of refrigerating equipment or even due to the negligence of aconsumer 6, who, for example, might delay storing the products 1 in arefrigerator. Therefore, it appears to be necessary to be able toperform a check of the products 1 at each step of their marketing. Thegoal of this checking is to systematically and automatically detect aproduct 1 having undergone a break in the cold chain.

FIG. 2 schematically shows a product 1, using a cold chain, like the oneshown in FIG. 1. The product 1, which takes the form of a food traycontaining slices of sausage here, comprises a marker 3 intended foractivating an infrared type automatic processing unit 5. As is alsoshown, the marker 3 consists, in a manner known per se, of a bar code 3comprising elements 4, in particular the bars 4 of the bar code 3. Thesebars are intended to be identified by the automatic processing unit 5.Nevertheless, it might be another type of marker 3, in particular anelectronic or magnetic marker 3. Affixing means, for example, printingmeans, are used for affixing the marker 3 on the product 1. In FIG. 2,the automatic processing unit 5 takes the form, known per se, of aninfrared pointer used by a cashier 45 of a supermarket to record andinvoice the product 1 to a consumer.

A component 6 comprises, on a part 7 dedicated for this purpose, maskingmeans 8, which make it possible to mask the elements 4 of the marker 3,at least temporarily, without modifying them, when the temperature ofthe product 1 exceeds a specific temperature threshold. Embodimentvariants of the component 6 and of the masking means 8 will be describedbelow, in particular with reference to FIGS. 3 through 6.

For example, in the case of a marker of the electromagnetic type, themarketing of the product is linked with the comprehension of a signalsent by the marker. The masking element may be designed so as to maskthe signal sent by sending another signal of the same nature which willcause interference with the signal of the marker. In this way, themasking element prevents the identification of the product.

Fixing means 14 make it possible to fix the component 6 on the product 1at the location of the marker 3.

In the case of the embodiment variants shown in FIGS. 2 through 6, thefixing means 14 fix the part 7 of the component 6 making it possible tomask the elements 4 of the marker 3 at least temporarily on the product1 in a removable manner. Thus, in case of masking the marker 3, theregulatory agency may decide to remove the removable part 7 of thecomponent 6 in order to make the markers 3 legible again.

To this end, it is possible, e.g., to cover a bar code of a component ofthe Time Temperature Integrator type, consisting of an adhesive,transparent medium integrating an initially transparent, detachable film25 (see FIG. 7). When a critical accumulation of the temperature beingexceeded over time has passed, the transparent film covering the barcode will become opaque, as is described below. The film covering thebar code will stop being transparent and will act as a screen betweenthe bars and the optical reading beam. The bar code is masked and itsreading is made impossible in this way, as the film thus made opaque isnot separated from the medium. This separation is made possible due tothe use of special adhesives, whose adhesive power will have beendefined to make possible the detachment, by peeling, of the film of thetransparent medium covering the bar code. Once the film 25 has beendetached, the data carried in the bar code are decipherable again (seeFIG. 7). At any rate, the bar code has not been modified, altered ordestroyed.

It is also possible, for example, to cover the bar code of a TimeTemperature Integrator, consisting only of a detachable film directlyaffixed to the packaging. In this case it is not necessary to provide atransparent medium.

It is also possible, for example, to use an adhesive with strongadhesive power for fixing the component, in such a way that thecomponent cannot be detached without altering the packaging of theproduct. In this case, to make it possible to read the bar code, aftermasking same with the component, specific processing means can be used(particularly electric, magnetic, chemical or even mechanical means) tomake the component transparent again. These means are designed todestroy the effects of the elements masking the component (inparticular, by modifying their chemical or physical properties). At anyrate, the bar code has not been modified, altered or destroyed.

In the case of the embodiment variants shown in FIGS. 2 through 6, thecomponent 6 comprises a fixed part 9 irreversibly fixed by suitablefixing means on the product 1. The irreversibly fixed part 9 comprisesan indicator 50 of changes in the preservation conditions, in particularan indicator 50 of a break in the cold chain. Thus, if the preservationconditions have changed, the products 1 in question can be identifiedbeyond dispute.

The indicator located on the sealed, fixed part delivers a message tothe final consumer and to the distributor.

For the final consumer, it is the guarantee that the system has not beenfalsified by any intervening party before him. In fact, the adhesivepower of the adhesives used for sealing the fixed part lead to a directand visible degradation of the packaging or of the product in case of anattempt to remove the adhesive.

For the distributor, it is the guarantee that a malevolent consumer willnot be able to replace an untouched indicator with an altered indicatorfor attempting to provide proof of the poor quality of a product, whilethis product has still not left the warehouse. It is also the guaranteethat a transporter will not be able to hide a break in the cold chain.

Finally, the separable character of the removable part and of the fixedpart makes it possible for the system to be adapted to the graphicstructure of the packaging: The fixed part must be placed in a placevisible to the consumer, while the zone receiving the removable partcoincides with the location of the marker. The latter is often printeddiscreetly on the packaging.

It shall be noted that the system according to the invention generallycomprises:

a marker 3, affixed on the product 1, comprising elements 4, inparticular the bars 4 of a bar code 3, intended to be identified byautomatic processing units 5 managing the marketing of the product 1between the economic participants in question, in particular between adistributor and a consumer or between a pharmaceutical laboratory and ahospital,

a component 6,

fixing means 14 for fixing the component 6 on the product 1 at the siteof the marker 3.

The component 6 comprises at least one part 7 comprising masking means 8for masking the elements 4 of the marker 3, at least temporarily,without modifying them, when (i) the temperature of the product 1exceeds a specific temperature threshold or (ii) when the preservationconditions differ from a specific reference level, in particularcharacterized by the exceeding of a specific temperature threshold for aduration longer than a specific duration.

The result of the combination of technical features is that theautomatic processing units can no longer read the markers 3 under thesecircumstances. On the other hand, a regulatory agency may decide to makethe markers 3 legible again.

A first embodiment variant of the component 6 and of the masking means 8for masking the marker 3 in case of a break in the cold chain in adistribution circuit 2 shall now be described with reference to FIG. 3.The masking means 8 comprise an impermeable, flat pouch 21, containingphysicochemical reagents. In case of a break in the cold chain, i.e.,when the specific temperature is exceeded, the physicochemical reagentsdiffuse a first substance 15 acting as a screen on the surface of themarker 3, inside the impermeable, flat pouch 21, by means of a migrantphysicochemical reaction. Thus, when the specific temperature isexceeded, the first substance 15 progressively forms a screen betweenthe marker 3 and the automatic processing unit 5. The automaticprocessing unit 5 is then deactivated. The break in the cold chain istherefore detected: As FIG. 3 shows, the physicochemical reagents 15migrate from a zone 50, which does not cover the elements 4 of themarker 3; therefore, it is only after a certain time that the elements 4of the marker 3 stop being legible.

It was stated above that the system according to the present inventionmust be configured:

either according to a reference temperature, only making it possible toreveal the poor preservation conditions,

or, at the same time, according to a reference temperature and accordingto the shelf life of the product.

The migrant character of the reaction and the existence of an“untouched” warning zone 50 make it possible to achieve theseobjectives. In fact, the temperature acts on the viscosity, on which themigration speed of the mask toward the bar code depends. Consequently,the time that the mask will take to conceal the bar code in an “all ornothing,” binary manner depends on the area of the warning zone 50, onthe temperature and on the duration of exposure to the criticaltemperatures. It is possible to predetermine the reagents of the migrantreaction and the area of the warning zone 50 so as to embody components(Time Temperature Integrators) revealing the differences in relation tothe preservation conditions that are required (the state of freshness)for a given product in a given distribution circuit.

The migrant nature of the physicochemical reaction makes possible aprogressive masking by preventing the bar code from being madeprematurely illegible, while the product in question is stillconsumable. The objective is to reduce the risk for removing from thechain heat-sensitive products that are still consumable. The use of anonmigrant chemical reaction may result in the premature masking of themarker and the removal of the product from the distribution chain duringthe passage in front of the automatic processing units.

Another advantage of using a migrant physicochemical reaction is to makeit possible to retrace a history of the variations of the temperature asa function of the time. In fact, a dividing up of the warning zone 50preceding the zone of the bar code into a plurality of printed levelsmakes it possible to follow the migration precisely and to interpret thestage of progression of the mask by correlating it with the state offreshness of the product.

Once all the printed levels have been exceeded and once the criticalaccumulation threshold of breaks in the cold chain has been reached, thephysicochemical reaction migrates to the bar code, making it almostinstantly illegible.

A second embodiment variant of the component 6 and the masking means 8for masking the marker 3 in case of a break in the cold chain in adistribution circuit 2 shall now be described with reference to FIG. 4.Just as in the case of the embodiment variant shown in FIG. 3, themasking means 8 comprise an impermeable flat pouch. This impermeableflat pouch has the reference number 21 in the case of this embodimentvariant as well. The impermeable flat pouch 21 contains a culturesubstrate 13 on which a population of microorganisms 16 is placed. Thepopulation of microorganisms 16 develops in a controlled manner when thespecific temperature is exceeded. The controlled growth of thepopulation of microorganisms 16 produces a reactive agent that reactswith the medium 22 by modifying an optical property of a secondsubstance 12. In the case of the embodiment variant described withreference to FIG. 4, this second substance 12 is formed by the medium 22itself. In the case of other embodiment variants, this second substance12, which is contained in the impermeable flat pouch 21, may be distinctfrom the medium 22. The second substance 12 forms a screen on thesurface of the marker 3. Thus, when the specific temperature isexceeded, the second substance 12 forms a screen between the marker 3and the automatic processing unit 5. The automatic processing unit 5 isthen deactivated. The break in the cold chain is therefore detected.

It was stated above that the system according to the present inventionmust be configured:

either according to a reference temperature, only making it possible toreveal the poor preservation conditions,

or, at the same time, according to a reference temperature and accordingto the shelf life of the product.

The controlled growth of a population of microorganisms makes itpossible to achieve these objectives. In fact, the temperature acts onthe rate of growth of the microorganisms and therefore acts on the rateof production of the reactive agent. When a sufficient quantity ofreactive agent is produced, it reacts with the medium 22 to change itscolor relatively quickly (in relation to the time needed to produce thereactive agent). The color of the medium is changed in a few hours.Consequently, the time that the mask will take to conceal the bar codein an “all or nothing,” binary manner depends on the temperature and onthe duration of exposure to the critical temperatures. It is possible topredetermine the selection of the microorganisms, their quantity, thenature of the second substance 12 (in the case described, the nature ofthe medium 22) so as to embody components (Time Temperature Integrators)revealing the differences in relation to the preservation conditionsrequired (the state of freshness) for a given product in a givendistribution circuit.

The almost instant character of the color change of the medium makes itpossible to reveal, with precision, the moment when the product stopsbeing consumable. Moreover, the fact that the color change takes placeafter a phase of growth of microorganisms prevents the bar code frombeing made prematurely illegible, while the product in question is stillconsumable.

The objective is to reduce the risk for removing still consumable,heat-sensitive products from the chain.

The component 6 comprises means for deactivating the controlled growthof the population of microorganisms 16. These deactivation means shallbe described below. Thus, when the controlled growth process isdeactivated, the handling of the component 6 at ambient temperaturebetween the moment when it is manufactured and that when it is fixed onthe product 1 does not induce the controlled growth of the population ofmicroorganisms 16.

In order to deactivate the controlled growth of the population ofmicroorganisms 16, a plurality of embodiment variants are possible.

In the case of a first embodiment variant:

On the one hand, the system comprises inhibition means for inhibitingthe growth of the population of microorganisms 1. For example, theinhibition means may comprise dehydration means for this purpose. Thepopulation of microorganisms 16 is placed, in the dehydrated state, onthe culture substrate 13. In fact, in the dehydrated state, themicroorganisms 16 do not proliferate. Thus, the growth of the populationof microorganisms 16 is inhibited during the phases of handling theculture substrate 13 at ambient temperature.

On the other hand, the component 6 comprises disinhibition means fordisinhibiting the population of microorganisms 16 during the marketingof the product 1 in the distribution circuit 2, in particular in thecold chain. For example, the disinhibition means for disinhibiting thepopulation of microorganisms 16 may comprise, for this purpose, meansfor rehydrating the microorganisms 16 and/or the culture medium of themicroorganisms 16 and/or the culture substrate 13. Thus, the growth ofthe population of microorganisms 16 becomes possible. The rehydrationmeans are particularly in the form of a perforatable capsule 24containing water, which is located inside the impermeable flat pouch 21.The rehydration means are activated, the perforatable capsule 24 isperforated, during the use of the means 14 for fixing the component 6 onthe product 1. Thus, the growth of the population of microorganisms 16becomes possible as soon as the capsule 24 is perforated, after fixingthe component 6 on the product 1.

In the case of a second embodiment variant, the population ofmicroorganisms 16 is placed on a culture substrate 13. The culturesubstrate 13 is located in an impermeable pouch 21. The impermeablepouch 21 contains a culture medium 22 (which, as has been seen, may bethe second substance 12). The pH of the culture medium 22 is selectedsuitably, in particular an acid pH, to inhibit the growth of thepopulation of microorganisms 16. Thus, the growth of the population ofmicroorganisms 16 is inhibited during the phases of handling saidculture substrate 13. The masking means 8 additionally compriseadjustment means for adjusting the pH of the medium, in particular byrelease of water, during the fixing of the component 6 on the marker 3.In the case of the variant described, said pH adjustment means are inthe form of a perforatable capsule 24 containing water, located insidethe impermeable pouch 21. Thus, the growth of the population ofmicroorganisms 16 becomes possible after the fixing of the component 6on the product 1 at the location of the marker 3 and the perforation ofthe perforatable capsule 24.

FIGS. 5 a, 5 b, 5 c and 6 a, 6 b schematically show the masking of themarker 3 in the case of the first and the second embodiment variants ofthe component 6, shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, respectively.

FIGS. 5 a, 5 b, 5 c show the progressive masking of the marker 3 by thediffusion, described above, of the first substance 11. FIG. 5 a showsthe marker 3 not having undergone a break in the cold chain. The warningzone 50 is not masked. All the elements 4 of the marker 3, i.e., thebars 4 of the bar code 3, are visible. The marker 3 is therefore capableof activating the automatic processing unit 5 described above. FIG. 5 bshows the marker 3 having undergone a brief break in the cold chain. Thefirst substance 11 migrates to the surface of the marker 3, covering thewarning zone 50. The marker 3 can therefore no longer activate theautomatic processing unit 5. FIG. 5 c shows the marker 3 havingundergone a prolonged break in the cold chain. The first substance 11pursues its migration to the surface of the marker 3. The elements 4 ofthe marker 3 are gradually covered by the first substance 11, thusforming a screen between the marker 3 and the automatic processing unit5. The product 1 can therefore no longer be sold.

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b show the masking of the marker 3 by the change in thecolor of the medium 22. FIG. 6 a shows the marker 3 not having undergonea break in the cold chain. All the elements 4 of the marker 3, i.e., thebars 4 of the bar code 3, are visible. The marker 3 is therefore capableof activating the automatic processing unit 5 described above. FIG. 6 bshows the marker 3 having undergone a critical accumulation of breaks inthe cold chain. The medium 22, having changed color, forms a screen onthe surface of the marker 3. The marker 3 can therefore no longeractivate the automatic processing unit permitting the marketing of theproduct 1.

1. System for systematically and automatically controlling a product,whose preservation in a distribution circuit depends on the temperature;the system comprising: a marker, affixed on the product, comprisingelements, intended to be identified by the automatic processing unitsmanaging the marketing of the product, a component, fixing means forfixing the component on the product at the location of the marker; thecomponent including at least one part comprising masking means formasking the elements of the marker without modifying them, when (i) thetemperature of the product exceeds a specific temperature threshold or(ii) when the preservation conditions differ from a specific referencelevel, or by exceeding a specific preservation duration; whereby whenthe elements of the marker are masked by the masking means and theautomatic processing units can no longer read the markers; wherein: thefixing means are configured to fix at least a portion of the maskingmeans on the product so that the masking means may be removed; when theelements of the marker are masked, the removable portion of the maskingmeans is configured to be removed by a regulatory agency to make themarker legible again; and the component further includes an irreversiblyfixed part including an indicator of any changes in the preservationconditions of the product, the irreversibly fixed part including anindicator of the changes in the preservation conditions of the product;whereby, when there is a change in the preservation conditions of theproduct, the product affected by this change can be identified beyonddispute even if the masking means have been removed.
 2. System inaccordance with claim 1; the system being such that the masking meansdiffuse a first substance intended to act as a screen between the markerand the automatic processing units above the marker by means of amigrant physicochemical reaction.
 3. System in accordance with any claim1; the system being such that the masking means modify an opticalproperty of a second substance intended to act as a screen between themarker and the automatic processing units via a controlled growth of apopulation of microorganisms above the marker; the controlled growth ofthe population of microorganisms comprising an activation process;whereby, when the activation process is deactivated, the handling of thecomponent at ambient temperature does not induce the controlled growthof the population of microorganisms.
 4. System in accordance with claim3; the population of microorganisms being placed on a culture substrate;the system additionally comprising: inhibition means for inhibiting thegrowth of said population of microorganisms; whereby the growth of thepopulation of microorganisms is inhibited during the phases of handlingthe culture substrate at ambient temperature; the system additionallycomprising: disinhibition means for disinhibiting the population ofmicroorganisms during the marketing of the product in the distributioncircuit; whereby the growth of the population of microorganisms becomespossible.
 5. System in accordance with claim 4; the system being suchthat: the inhibition means for inhibiting the population ofmicroorganisms comprise dehydration means, the disinhibition means fordisinhibiting the population of microorganisms comprise rehydrationmeans.
 6. System in accordance with claim 3; the population ofmicroorganisms being placed on a culture substrate; the culturesubstrate being located in a impermeable pouch; the pouch containing aculture medium; the pH of the culture medium being selected suitably,for inhibiting the growth of the population of microorganisms; wherebythe growth of the population of microorganisms is inhibited during thephases of handling the culture medium; the masking means additionallycomprising adjustment means for adjusting the pH of the medium; the pHadjustment means are in the form of a perforatable capsule, containingwater, located inside the impermeable pouch; whereby the growth of thepopulation of microorganisms becomes possible after fixing the componenton the product at the location of the marker.